tfra11: I disagree with the USA argument. Why do sports series end early if the other team is mathematically eliminated? (i.e. NBA: Lakers won 4-1 in a best of 7, and there was no need to play all seven). Even with Soccer (Futbol), if a game goes to a Penalty Kick shootout, all 5 kicks by each team are not taken if a team is mathematically eliminated before the 5th kick. With board games, I believe it is universally considered "good sportsmanship" to resign a lost cause.